Daisy Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

Symbolism of colour

Through the use, and emphasis of certain colours, Fitzgerald evokes emotion to underline themes such as corruption and represents the characteristics of personalities and attributes of his characters. The constant use of white surrounds the description of the character Daisy Buchanan, as shown in the quote “They were both in white, and their dresses were rippling and fluttering”. Daisy is the main focus of the novel, the character perceived as the goal of Gatsby’s desires, the most perplexing and perhaps the most disappointing character present. Daisy is often portrayed as pure and innocent, a woman perfect enough, and worthy to be Gatsby’s love interest and the object of his affection. Daisy is depicted from the start with an

This imagery succinctly encapsulates how women are perceived in the narrative, portrayed as delicate, soft and attractive, adding to the theme of commodification of the female characters. This can be seen in the quote “Then he kissed her. At his lips’ touch she blossomed for him like a flower and the incarnation was complete”. Daisy represents the optimism and superficiality of Gatsby’s dream, yet is portrayed as nothing more than a flower, to feed Gatsby’s desire. She’s seen, and often treated as an object, portrayed in an increasingly objectified and shallow manner. Daisy being described as a flower shows that she is wanted by Gatsby more for what she is, what looks like, and the challenge that she represents, than herself as a person. Women in general throughout the book are admired, and praised fro their beauty, they become parts of the scenery to be viewed, yet are not respected. This imagery, used by the men in the novel, implements a condescending and patronizing tone towards the female, showing the women as inferior to